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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sometimesblue on November 12, 2007, at 11:00:14
I just started taking the generic ritalin sr [Methelyn ER] 20mg for inattentive ADD. A few questions for you babblers:
1. How long until the drug "works"?
2. Does it have to build up, or is it an immediate thing?
3. Is it any good?I started three days ago, and all i can tell so far is a boost in my mood. My doc put me on the lowest dose since i have never [officially] taken a stimulant, and i have to see her in a month for a follow-up/status on my progress. But i wonder if the dose is too low. I remember reading on here [dont remember who] that in low doses it's a good mood booster. OH!!! AND i think it's helped me with the mood swings i was getting from the wellbutrin. I have a 2 yr old, and i just couldn't control sudden irritable mood swings and i was really impatient. But I find that since the ritalin, i'm so much more calmer when dealing with him...
My doc had given me prozac for the mood swings, but it helped a ONLY little [and i think that's an overstatement]...maybe the ritalin augmented the prozac? I don't know, but i really do like that since i can't stand yelling at my baby [or my hubby] for no *good* reason.
BUT i don't think it's done nothing for attention/concentration. I'm still constantly losing things, forgetting things [basically a mental mess]. I don't really want to have to take so many pills though, can i eventually get off the prozac?
ONE MORE THING! Sorry, i'm rambling! Since the prozac, anorgasmia is back, uughgh!! hate that! Will the ritalin help since it's a stimulant?
Any thoughts/experiences?
Posted by Phillipa on November 12, 2007, at 11:12:12
In reply to Just started RITALIN SR...generic...how long until, posted by sometimesblue on November 12, 2007, at 11:00:14
I hear that rambling mind too many thoughts at once but you are saying you are feeling calmer so one step at a time this is good. And with a toddler who can remember when they are needing constant attention. Sounds like you're on to something. May it continue to improve. Good luck Phillipa
Posted by sometimesblue on November 12, 2007, at 11:15:16
In reply to Re: Just started RITALIN SR...generic...how long until » sometimesblue, posted by Phillipa on November 12, 2007, at 11:12:12
Posted by JayBTV2 on November 13, 2007, at 9:33:27
In reply to Just started RITALIN SR...generic...how long until, posted by sometimesblue on November 12, 2007, at 11:00:14
> I just started taking the generic ritalin sr [Methelyn ER] 20mg for inattentive ADD. A few questions for you babblers:
>
> 1. How long until the drug "works"?
> 2. Does it have to build up, or is it an immediate thing?
> 3. Is it any good?1) It's pretty immediate. Unlike reuptake inhibitors it goes to work an hour or so after you take a dose.
2) Immediate. Since you're taking extended release though you may find a few peaks through the day. I'm pretty sure Ritalin extended releases twice through the eight out period. A big burst at first and then a smaller burst four hours later. Concerta (also slow release Methylphenidate) has a more complex release system that gradually releases over the eight hours. Honestly I've tried both and didn't notice much of a difference.
3) Yes it can be very good :) Just make sure you stay on the dose prescribed. There is a tendency to build up a tolerance so you may need to increase your dose at somepoint (especially if you're taking 10mg or 20mg). The thing is you don't want to do that too quickly or it is possible to eventually hit the ceiling in terms of dosages. I learned the hard way by taking more than I was supposed to and eventually had to get off of it. This was with the immediate release.
A recent article sites the antidepressant effects of Methylphenidate:
http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/article_pages.asp?AID=5469&UID=
Also go easy on caffeine or any other stimulates as you can get heart racing issues.
Sometimes I wish I were still on it :)
Good luck,
-Jay
Posted by sometimesblue on November 13, 2007, at 10:33:12
In reply to Re: Just started RITALIN SR...generic...how long u, posted by JayBTV2 on November 13, 2007, at 9:33:27
So I read the article you provided and I was likke "they could be talking about me!" My doctor has put me on 4 different AD's with little or terrible results. She kept insisting that the inattentiveness and lack of focus were all depression related. Good to know I wasn't going crazy :)
-SB
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